The Democrats’ Communication Problem – Part 2

It’s just one poll, but Greg Sargent notices that a recent survey from Pew and National Journal indicates that the vast majority of Democrats don’t feel this has been a particularly successful Congress, legislation-wise. As Sargent notes, just 33% of Democrats believe this Congress accomplished more than recent Congresses. (37% said it accomplished the “same” and 24% said it had accomplished less.)

This is a fairly astounding result. Regardless of whether you agree with what Democrats have done with their large majorities in congress and control of the White House, it’s clear they notched some rather large legislative victories. Health care reform, the stimulus, financial reform are the big three. And Democrats didn’t notice? Well, maybe they did, but they felt previous Congresses – like those with Republicans agendas – also accomplished a lot, even if it was at odds with their own priorities. Maybe there’s a problem with using the word “accomplish” in a poll question.

The GOP Campaign to Scare House Dems

Is anyone else feeling a bit of déjà vu? This stage in the health care legislative battle feels, to me at least, a lot like the period just before Christmas. Remember the constant threats from Republicans that they would use all the parliamentary tools available to indefinitely stall a final vote on the Senate health [...]